A Simplifying Renunciation
Thus, you should carefully consider which among the main things you want in life is the most important, and renounce all the others to dedicate yourself to that thing alone. Among the many matters that…
Category: Buddhism
First Things First
One’s education must first of all be directed to a thorough knowledge of the classics and an understanding of the teachings of the sages. –—Yoshida Kenkō, Essays in Idleness, translated by Meredith McKinney, 80
Seize the Instant Already!
A man engaged in Buddhist practice will tell himself at night that there is always the morning, or in the morning will anticipate the night, always intending to make more effort later. And if such…
Bodhisattva Vows
Although sentient beings are limitless, we vow to save them.Although our evil desires are limitless, we vow to be rid of them. Although the teaching is limitless, we vow to learn it all.Although Buddhism is unattainable,…
Reframing Criticism
When [Dipa Ma] stood up against something she felt was wrong, sometimes others would blame and criticize her. But she was not bothered by this. She told me, “Why be upset? Even the Buddha had…
The Venerable Thien Hue
“I am a monk,” says Hue as imperturbably as ever. “I do nothing against the government. I live in silence and I pray. I have been in prison for two hundred days now, for no…
Are You Sure?
How often have we misperceived the situation, a look, a sound? We need to be detached from our perceptions, because we are not infallible. –Thich Nhat Hanh, Being Peace
Word of the Day: Adhitthana
“Resolute determination, decision, unshakable resolve, vow, will … It represents the steadfast strength of mind essential for applying oneself to a specific end and the refusal to vacillate in the face of obstacles. ” –Mirka Knaster,…
Compelling
His voice was deep and resonant and somehow brave, like the voice of old-time American heroes and orators. Something earnest and strong and humanly hopeful I liked about him, while the other poets were either…
Today’s One-Liner (#325)
I believe in Buddha kindness and nothing else, I believe in Heaven, in Angels, I eschew all Marxism and allied horseshit and psychoanalysis, and offshoot therefrom. –Jack Kerouac, Letter to Allen Ginsberg, January 1958